From December 12 to 14, 2025, a representative from the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) participated in the 2nd Conference on Human Cultural and Genetic Diversity in Southeast Asia and Southwest China (HUDSEAC), held in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
Participants at the conference
The conference was organized by the Kunming Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with relevant agencies. It brought together a wide range of researchers, lecturers, and experts specializing in archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and other interdisciplinary fields focusing on the history and culture of Southeast Asia and Southwest China.
Representing the VNMH, M.A. Chu Manh Quyen presented a paper titled “Prehistoric Stone Drill Workshops in the Central Highlands”. The presentation introduced archaeological findings from the Thac Hai site (Dak Lak), analyzing technical characteristics and labor specialization among prehistoric inhabitants. The research highlighted the socio-economic role of stone drill workshops and their connection to ancient jewelry production and regional trade. His findings attracted significant interest and received positive feedback from international scholars.
Mr. Chu Manh Quyen delivering his presentation at the conference.
Following the conference, on December 15, 2025, the Vietnamese delegation from the VNMH and the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology held a working session with the Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology. The delegation was granted direct accessed to a collection of stone artifacts excavated near the Vietnam - China border in Hekou. Through direct observation, comparison, and professional exchange, Dr. Pham Thanh Son (Vietnam Institute of Archaeology) identified notable similarities between these artifacts and prehistoric stone sites in Vietnam, particularly in terms of typology, manufacturing techniques, and use-wear traces. These initial academic exchanges opened up prospects for future comparative studies and international collaboration between the two countries.
The Vietnamese delegation examining the stone artifact collection in Hekou (Yunnan, China).
The mission also included field visits to the Shizhaishan site - a landmark associated with the Dian Kingdom and historically linked to the Dong Son culture and the Hebaosuo excavation site - the latter has been identified as the primary administrative headquarters of Yizhou Prefecture during the Han Dynasty. These surveys provided practical experience in excavation management and heritage preservation.
The delegation visiting the Shizhaishan archaeological site
An overview of the Hebaosuo excavation site
The mission was a major success, providing valuable updates on new interdisciplinary research trends and methods. It offered an excellent opportunity for the representative to share Vietnam’s research with the international community and strengthen cooperation with Chinese institutions.
The data and field experience gained will significantly enhance scientific research, conservation, and heritage promotion at the Vietnam National Museum of History in the future.